Rural micro businesses in Northern Ireland can apply for small capital grants through the Rural Business Development Grant Scheme, funded by the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs. The scheme forms part of the Tackling Rural Poverty and Social Isolation Programme and is administered by each local council in its own area.

The grant is intended to support rural micro businesses to purchase equipment that improves sustainability or supports growth, with the wider aim of creating employment opportunities and strengthening the rural economy.

Awards range from £500 to £7,500 and can cover up to 50% of eligible costs for capital items. The total cost of the capital project must be at least £1,000 and must not exceed £30,000, meaning applicants are expected to meet the remaining costs from other sources.

Applications are open to existing, registered private businesses that are actively trading commercially, based in a rural area in Northern Ireland and employing fewer than 10 full-time equivalent staff. Applicants must be aged 18 or above at the application deadline and must have attended a pre-funding workshop.

Eligible expenditure includes the purchase of new equipment or machinery, computer hardware such as a computer, laptop or printer and software purchased outright, as well as the set-up of an e-commerce website that allows online purchasing. Mobile machinery such as scissor lifts, forklifts and ride-on lawn mowers can also be supported.

The deadline for applications is 30 July 2026. For more information please visit Rural Business Development Grant Scheme (RBDGS) 2026/2027 | Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs